Comparative evaluation of porosity distribution in root canals obturated with gutta‑percha using single‑cone technique and thermoplasticized technique

Comparative evaluation of porosity distribution in root canals obturated with gutta‑percha using single‑cone technique and thermoplasticized technique

2020-12-06 Dentistry

Introduction: The objective of the study was to comparatively evaluate the porosity distribution in the root canals obturated using the single‑cone technique and thermoplasticized technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 42 permanent single‑rooted human extracted teeth were divided equally into two groups based on the technique employed: single‑cone technique and thermoplasticized technique. Following postobturation restoration, void volume was analyzed by cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) and void location was evaluated by microscopic method at three levels: coronal, middle, and apical. Independent Student’s t‑test and Chi‑square test were used for analyzing the obtained results. Results: On comparing the void volumes as seen in CBCT images between the two groups, the thermoplasticized technique showed greater but insignificant void volume (P = 0.18). When the association of the location of the void with the void area percentage was analyzed between the two techniques, significant associations were seen in the middle (P = 0.016) and the apical levels (P = 0.031). Conclusion: The single‑cone technique showed a comparable seal with the thermoplasticized technique. Voids were predominantly seen at the sealer–cone interface and sealer–root canal wall interface for single‑cone technique and in between the condensed gutta‑percha for thermoplasticized technique.